19/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 19, 2025

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 has been extended to April 30 next year beginning today, said Immigration Department deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha. He said the programme offers foreigners without valid documents to voluntarily return to their original country. “At the same time, enforcement operations will carry on as usual even with the repatriation programme in force,” he said during a media conference after attending Ops Kutip at a shopping complex on Saturday. He said enforcement operations Malaysia bids farewell to giant pandas Fu Wa, Feng Yi SEPANG: Giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi were officially sent home to China yesterday, concluding their stay in Malaysia since May 21, 2014 under the terms of the International Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Project. The momentous send-off held at the Animal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur International Airport was attended by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, its secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Too Kim and representatives from the Chinese Embassy. In a statement, the ministry said the collaboration stands as a symbol of the close friendship between Malaysia and China, and reflects their shared commitment to sustainability under the Malaysia Madani agenda. “Therefore, Malaysia will continue to be committed to working with the People’s Republic of China in the conservation of the giant panda species, and the collaboration is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and China diplomatically and economically.” The ministry added that Malaysia has recorded extraordinary success in its ex-situ conservation efforts, including the three panda cubs born to the pair during their time here. All three panda cubs Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi have since been returned to China in accordance with the agreement. Nuan Nuan was repatriated on Nov 14, 2017 while Yi Yi and Sheng Yi followed on Aug 29, 2023. The ministry said the conservation partnership is set to continue through a new agreement signed on April 16 during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. “This renewed agreement allows Malaysia to receive another pair of giant pandas for a period of 10 years, from 2025 to 2035. Their arrival is expected later this year.” – Bernama

Kelantan Crown Prince takes part in night run KOTA BHARU: The Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra participated in the Night Colour Run held in conjunction with the state-level National Youth Day Festival on Saturday. He joined over 1,000 participants on a 1.9km walk that began at Dataran Rehal and ended at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. Tengku Muhammad Fakhry later officiated at the festival’s launch and presented the Perdana Belia Negara Awards to three male recipients, three female recipients and three organisations in recognition of their contributions, Bernama reported. The four-day festival, which began on May 14, is an initiative to honour and recognise the role of youth in national development. There were interactive exhibitions by government agencies and NGOs as well as a cultural arts symphony organised by the Kelantan State Tourism Information Centre. The run served as the festival’s grand finale. technologies, we can enhance the visitor experience, engage diverse communities and ensure that our cultural narratives are preserved for future generations.” Aaron also encouraged local museums to digitise their collections, adopt virtual and augmented reality technologies, introduce interactive digital exhibits, develop mobile applications and online platforms as well as strengthen their community engagement and inclusivity efforts. He emphasised that museums are more than just buildings. “A museum is a living institution that connects us to our past, guides us in the present and inspires us for the future. In a rapidly changing world, they remind us of the values that unite us – understanding, respect and acceptance.” At a media conference, Kamarul said the proposed Act aims to establish an official museum database and a museum council to serve as an advisory and supervisory body for museums nationwide. “We want to ensure that all new museums established going forward align with the cultural norms of our society,” he said, noting the existence of museums abroad with explicit or controversial themes. He said while the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) addresses heritage sites, monuments as well as tangible and intangible heritage, it does not comprehensively regulate museum policy. “This new law follows international standards and global practices. We’ll also introduce a rating system and regulate new museums, especially private ones.”

VINTAGE BEAUTY ... . His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim mingling with car enthusiasts at the Volkswagen Classic exhibition in Johor Bahru yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF ROYAL PRESS OFFICE

Ministry finalising new law to regulate museum activities o Legislation aims to provide clear legal

– spaces that inspire creativity, critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity.” Aaron was speaking on the sidelines of the Malaysia International Museums Day Seminar 2025 held yesterday at M Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Also present was Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim. On the delay in finalising the Act, originally announced in 2023, Aaron said extensive stakeholder engagement is necessary before it can be gazetted. “We have many museums in the country, including those owned by state governments and the private sector. Out of the 232 recognised museums in Malaysia, only 22 are federal museums.” Aaron said the ministry has requested government funding to upgrade and equip museums with the latest technology. Earlier in his keynote address, Aaron said the ministry is committed to ensuring that museums reflect the values of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and diversity. He said the ministry would collaborate closely with the Museums Department to elevate the standards of local institutions. “In an age where technology permeates every facet of our lives, it is imperative that our cultural institutions evolve to meet the expectations and needs of the modern world. Digital transformation offers us the opportunity to preserve our rich heritage while making it accessible to a global audience. “By integrating digital

framework for cultural and heritage institutions and ensure effective management and sustainability

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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sustainably. He added that the Bill may be tabled in Parliament before the end of the year. “We are currently engaging stakeholders at both the state and federal levels, as well as from the private sector. “The ministry’s goal is to create museums that are not only educational but also transformative

PETALING JAYA: The National Unity Ministry is in the final stages of drafting a new legislation to regulate museum activities nationwide, said its minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the Act is intended to provide a clear legal framework for museums and to ensure they are

Migrant Repatriation Programme extended to April 30 next year

such as Ops Kutip are vital in reducing the number of illegal immigrants in the country, and to tackle issues due to their presence. He added that 5,090 operations were conducted throughout the country with 67,574 individuals checked as of May 15. Jafri said of the total, 1,886 were found to be United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees cardholders. He said 19,193 illegals were detained along with 680 employers for various immigration offences while another 15,422 illegals were detained at entry points attempting

to either enter or leave the country. “We don’t have an accurate number of how many illegals are out there but based on the number of arrests, there is an increase compared with previously, with operations being conducted nearly daily throughout the country.” On the two-hour long operation yesterday, he said 964 people – 273 foreigners and 691 locals – were checked and 143 people arrested, including 56 Indonesians, 32 Pakistanis, 26 Bangladeshis, 10 Indian and Myanmar nationals each, four Syrians, three Nepalis and an Afghan and a Chinese. – Bernama